Household Hazardous Waste

What Is Household Hazardous Waste?
Leftover household products that contain corrosive, toxic, ignitable, or reactive ingredients are considered to be household hazardous waste (HHW). Products, such as paints, cleaners, oils, batteries, and pesticides, that contain potentially hazardous ingredients require special care when you dispose of them.

Improper disposal of household hazardous wastes can include pouring them down the drain, on the ground, into storm sewers, or in some cases putting them out with the trash. The dangers of such disposal methods might not be immediately obvious, but improper disposal of these wastes can pollute the environment and pose a threat to human health. Many communities in the United States offer a variety of options for conveniently and safely managing HHW.

Household Hazardous Waste Collection
Residents from throughout DuPage County can drop-off Household Hazardous Waste at the permanent collection site operated by the city of Naperville. The permanent HHW collection facility is located at 156 Fort Hill Drive, Naperville.

The facility is open Saturdays and Sundays, excluding holidays, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information and directions, please visit the Naperville website.

Note: Small amounts of Latex Paint can be dried with an absorbent like sand or kitty litter and then placed out with regular garbage with the lid off the can.

Benefits of Proper HHW Management

Reduction and recycling of HHW conserves resources and energy that would be expended in the production of more products.

Reuse of hazardous household products can save money and reduce the need for generating hazardous substances.

Proper disposal prevents pollution that could endanger human health and the environment.

Reduction at Home
Consider reducing your purchase of products that contain hazardous ingredients. Learn about the use of alternative methods or products-without hazardous ingredients-for some common household needs.

To avoid the potential risks associated with household hazardous wastes, it is important that people always monitor the use, storage, and disposal of products with potentially hazardous substances in their homes. Below are some tips for individuals to follow in their own homes:

Use and store products containing hazardous substances carefully to prevent any accidents at home. Never store hazardous products in food containers; keep them in their original containers and never remove labels. Corroding containers, however, require special handling. Call your local hazardous materials official or fire department for instructions.

When leftovers remain, never mix HHW with other products. Incompatible products might react, ignite, or explode, and contaminated HHW might be unable to recycle.

Remember to follow any instructions for use and disposal provided on product labels.

Call your local environmental, health, or solid waste agency for instructions on proper use and disposal and to learn about local HHW drop off programs and upcoming collection days.